Mi’kmaw Venture Project 2009

Description

Mi'kmaw Venture Project is a youth development program that relies on traditional values to help youth develop positive self-concept, effective social interaction skills, community service ethic, internal locus of self control and increased decision making and problem solving skills.

The program consists of 20 hourly sessions delivered during the school day over the course of the school year. Through classroom—based activities, high-risk youth are identified to participate in an intensive community-based program after school and throughout the summer. The afterschool / summer programs are designed to help youth plan and develop internal and external assets to help them live happy, healthy lives, free from substance use and violence. The community-based component includes four service learning activities that are designed to facilitate youth leadership and collaboration. Approximately 150 hours of community-based activities are provided throughout the year. Traditional values and the teachings of Elders are highlighted in every aspect of the programming

Status Ongoing (if funding obtained Nov 2012)

Jurisdiction Provincial—Nova Scotia

Court Responsible For Reform Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network (MLSN)

Timelines: Launched in 2009

Publications http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/fv-vf/comp-recu/p155.html

http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/fv-vf/annex-annexe/p145.html

http:www.accaajc.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=hQV6Y

VmRBg%3D&tabid=37&mid=701

Purpose:

To effect positive change in risk and protective factors and foster crime prevention in Aboriginal communities by adapting, developing and implementing culturally sensitive crime prevention practices to reduce violence and abuse. The program seeks to empower Indigenous youth through learning, therapeutic recreation, connecting to the land, nature and territory and celebrating Mi'kmaq culture.

Results:

An evaluation has been completed. The program meets or exceeds its goals in all sectors and is a vital program reducing violence in Mi'kmaw communities, building self-esteem and healthy lifestyles, motivating positive community spirit amongst youth and providing alternatives to substance use. Participants of the program were also found to be more skilled at decision making and more globally conscious of their fellow community members.

Revision History:

This summary was edited on 2013-08-05. Initials: NN